For collectors and wearers drawn to Japanese boro, historic textiles, rural ways of living, and slow fashion, this vintage Japanese cotton noragi brings a lived textile history into contemporary dress.

Noragi are Japanese garments rooted in agricultural and working life. Their loose forms and practical construction reflect a close relationship between clothing, the land, and everyday life. This piece is a cotton noragi dating to around the early Showa era.

The greatest appeal of this garment is the strong contrast between its surface and reverse side.

The surface is deep navy cotton with fine red and blue vertical stripes. Its restrained color palette and orderly pattern give the garment a quiet, balanced presence.

The reverse reveals an entirely different character. Blue, grey-blue, and red fabrics are brought together in a bold crazy-patchwork pattern. Different textiles appear across the body, sleeves, collar, and hem, while the red sleeve ends and striped fabric accents create a striking contrast.

The overseas audience for Japanese boro and vintage textiles often values visible use, irregularity, the history of cloth, and garments that cannot be reproduced. This noragi speaks directly to that appreciation through its mixed-fabric reverse, worn cotton, fading, and individual character.

The fading across the back of the surface was created through wear during the garment’s original life. It is an honest detail of use rather than a manufactured finish. The beauty of this piece lies not in looking new, but in showing the time it has carried.

It can be worn open over a T-shirt, shirt, knitwear, dress, or other simple layers. The relaxed body and generous sleeves create an easy silhouette, while the contrast between the navy stripes, blue body, grey-blue sleeves, red sleeve ends, and reverse pattern brings a distinctive presence to contemporary outfits.

This noragi suits a wardrobe shaped by slow living, sustainable dressing, old houses, gardens, and time spent close to the land. It is not simply an old garment to preserve. It is a piece of Japanese clothing history that can be given a new life through modern dress.

Please note: The first image shows the reverse side.

Details

• Material: Cotton
• Era: Early Showa period
• Stock: One piece only
• Model height: 171 cm

Measurements

• Body length (back collar base to hem): 85.5 cm / 33.7 in
• Chest width (straight across underarms): 61 cm / 24.0 in
• Shoulder width (straight across shoulders): 65 cm / 25.6 in
• Sleeve length (shoulder point to sleeve end): 33.5 cm / 13.2 in
• Sleeve width: 31 cm / 12.2 in
• Sleeve-end width: 17.5 cm / 6.9 in

Please allow for minor measurement variations.

Condition

There is abrasion at the sleeve ends and underarm area on the reverse side. Localized fabric slippage and stains are also present. The back of the surface has fading created through wear during its original use.

These details are part of the individual character and aged condition of this vintage cotton garment. Please review all images and measurements carefully before ordering.

This garment has been washed twice by us. A distinctive odor associated with old textiles remains. Please understand that any damage or returning odor caused by washing or wear after purchase is not eligible for a refund or exchange. Please order only if you understand and appreciate the condition of old clothing.

After purchase, we would be grateful if you shared how you wear this piece in the review section.

Frequently Asked Questions

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